Escape the polar vortex with a trip to paradise. Jetsetters from the world over land their private jets and dock their yachts at the French West Indies island of Saint Barthélemy for a respite from winter weather, and the best heeled hurry to the boutique Hotel Saint-Barths Isle de France for rest and relaxation.

Beach Week is coming! The snow and ice can’t melt fast enough for most of us — so starting Mon. 2/24 until Sun. 3/2, TravelChannel.com is celebrating the best in beaches. Stay tuned for our Best Beach Award winners, the hottest oceanfront resorts, exclusive video with beach babe, Marianela, and more.

Until then dip your toes in the sand (pun intended) and dig up your best beach photos. Share them with us on Instagram with hashtag #TCBEACHWEEK for a chance to be featured. We want to see your favorite beach!

The World Cup is a momentous occasion that sets the stage for the world’s greatest soccer athletes. Thousands of people will travel to 12 cities in Brazil to see their favorite teams play an international sport that will bring people together from all around the globe. And there are several reasons why Fortaleza is the perfect city to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup games.

Fortaleza, the City of “Fortalezenses”Fortaleza is known for its people, “Fortalezenses.” Although the city on its own is aesthetically beautiful, it’s the good-humored nature of its people that automatically make it a charming destination. Fortalezenses are known for being helpful, hospitable and caring hosts to tourists. They stay active by walking around in urban parks or by the seafront.

The History of the FortressIn case you didn’t know, Fortaleza in Portuguese translates to “fortress.” In 1649, the Dutch settled and built Fort Schoonemborch. A few years later, in 1655, the Portuguese seized the fort and renamed it Nossa Senhora da Assunção, after the patron saint of the city, the Lady of the Assumption. Visitors can visit the beautiful fortress on Monte Marajaitiba for free. Today, the fortress is home to the Army Military Headquarters.

It’s your chance to escape the polar vortex, artic blast and frigid cold winter weather. Heat things up and enter for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Miami. This amazing $10,000 prize package includes 6 days and 5 nights at the Four Seasons Miami or a similar hotel; a private windsurfing lesson; $1,500 spending money; and a half a day of deep sea fishing.

Shake off your winter chill and rejuvenate with a relaxing getaway. Explore Miami by taking a stroll down white-sandy South Beach; sample some must-try celebrity chef restaurants; or go on a self-guided art deco tour. Adventure awaits you in “The Magic City”.

And don’t forget you can still enter daily for your chance to win a $100,000 trip to Spain and Morocco!

Does winter storm Janus have you holed up inside for the foreseeable future? Are you dreaming of sunshine, a glass of chilled white wine and an idyllic countryside? Get inspired for your next trip by escaping to Florida’s beaches, California’s wine country and Nashville’s local haunts with some of Travel Channel’s best new video.